She’s Here!

My mom is here– like my actual, real, biological mother! Since deciding to come to Ecuador last fall, I had always hoped that my mom would be able to come visit. When I arrived in January, we began to make the arrangements for my spring break, which is next week. All I have to say is YAY, and thank you God for making this opportunity a reality!

As many of you already know, my mom is literally my best friend. I really don’t know what I would do without her. She is selfless and loves her family so much. Being away from home has shown me how much both she and my dad care for my brothers and me. Their love is more extravagant than I knew was possible.

Now that she is here, I get to show her around my new hometown of Cumbayá, my school and service learning placement. My family gets to see pictures I take when I am traveling, but I am so thankful for the opportunity I have this week to show my mom the daily life I live here. We will also be spending a day in Quito going through the historical center and churches and seeing magnificent views of the city! I am so excited for this day because it is so different from anything my mom has ever experienced, and I get to be the tour guide! After two days in the place I call home for now, we will be headed to the province of Manabí along the coast of Ecuador to the small town of Puerto Lopez. This small beach town is part of the Machalilla National Park, home to beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, surfing and wildlife, and the well-known Isla de Plata.

Of course I am excited for this travel opportunity, but I am most excited to simply be with my mom. I feel like it has been forever since I talked with someone who really understands me. My mom literally flew across the world just to spend a couple of days with me! Yes, she does get a mini vacation out of the deal too, but I know she would never take a mini trip like this otherwise for vacation. Not only that, but my three brothers are at home with my dad during one of his busiest weeks of work. Plus, my grandparents who are always the first to offer help, are also out of town. My mom is here for me.

So, here’s to a weekend of probably lots of laughter, tears, relaxing, and hugs– I know I will be savoring every moment. If I’ve learned anything in the recent months, it is that home isn’t always a physical place. I am homesick not because of my physical home (I mean, how could I be when it is located in the tundra), but I am homesick because people are my home. My family and my friends are my home and I miss them! Thanks to a loving dad, understanding brothers, an adventurous mom, and a giving Heavenly Father, I get to spend a weekend with a glimpse of my home here in Ecuador.